Singaporebrides | Editors' Notes

8 Valentine’s Day Ideas With Minimal Effort

Valentine’s Day is just another excuse to do something romantic together, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. How about no surprises this year for a change?

February 14th. No other day has been more associated with winged cupids, snow-white doves and heart-shaped chocolates. It is the one day of the year where the tradition of courtly love flourishes, in which dating couples express their affections for each other by presenting flowers, confectionery, and hand-made greeting cards. Maybe you’re at that point where you’ve over the concept of (underwhelming) surprises and just want to have a good meal or gift, one that you both can decide on together, yet still be romantic. Here are 8 ideas for a happy Valentine’s Day, no surprising required.

1. Eat at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore welcomes you to celebrate this romantic occasion at Dolce Vita, located by the hotel’s pool on level 5, amidst magnificent harbour views and fine Italian cuisine. Start with a refreshing amuse bouche of scallop tartare, followed by an appetising starter of baked lobster tail, accompanied by chilli corn espuma. The oyster Acquerello risotto makes for a delectable entrée, before the black cod fish fillet is served with coconut and cauliflower. Dinner continues with the savoury and flavourful roasted veal loin paired with seared foie gras, and ends on a sweet note, featuring silky cheeses, strawberry fruity cheese and chocolate creameux.

The hotel’s new 2016 package Angkor Escapade includes 2 nights’ accommodation in a Bungalow Suite, airport transfers in a vintage 1960s Mercedes Benz, daily à la carte breakfast, a five-course Khmer Discovery Menu with a selected bottle of wine for two adults, and a temple tour of Angkor Wat with a personal English guide, inclusive of transport by tuktuk (inclusive of temple passes for two). At USD 580 for two adults, it’s quite a good excuse for a little R&R, don’t you think?

Did you know that it is an old tradition in Europe to give lovers a Saint Valentine’s Key, “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”? Whether this is your first Valentine’s Day together, or the last before you become husband and wife, the iconic Tiffany key pendant is an excellent gift to receive. Tiffany & Co. Singapore is also offering complimentary machine engraving on select items from 29 to 31 January! Go put a key in in (or ring on it) now!

Tiffany Platinum Bands with Engraving

Date: 29 to 31 January
Venue: Takashimaya S.C., ION Orchard, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Raffles Hotel
Price: Complimentary for the first three letters, and only for items that are above $300 purchased from 29 to 31 January

4. Shop for presents online at Goldheart

Have you gotten so comfortable with each other that you’d rather just stay at home and away from the crowds? While you are on your laptops browsing outfits for the Lunar New Year, take a break and look at some jewellery instead! Goldheart Jewelry’s latest collections – L’Amour and La Belle and its perennial collections Lovebirds, Lovelle, Perolé and Celestial® are curated for the romantic season, so there are adorable charms and pretty baubles, but also gorgeous engagement rings and wedding bands for those ready to take the next step on Valentine’s Day. And you can buy them from Goldheart’s eBoutique online!

Flowers and chocolates not your thing? Maybe something functional and wearable is your idea of romance, like a pair of couple watches. After all, the gift of time is the most precious of all, isn’t it? Mauboussin Singapore presents a refined new timepiece collection called Jardin du Palais Royal, indicating its noble design and aristocratic allure. Both for men and women, this new collection comes in two shades: in pale tints with mother-of-pearl or white dial for something more classic and discreet, or in darker shades with black mother-of-pearl and black dial for a little character.

If time is a little tight this year to get out of the country for V Day, you can still go for a one-day retreat at a hotel here in Singapore. For example, you can plan a romantic spa getaway at the exclusive CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La. Imagine waking up late one morning, then indulging in a 60-minute customised massage in a luxurious couple room with some sparkling wine, then ending the session with a leisurely three-tier afternoon tea at the Lobby Court. And maybe, if you’re still not relaxed and satiated after all that, some sexy time in the room is in order, wink wink.

Have a few venues in mind for your wedding and yet to try the food? Valentine’s Day is a good time to review the venues because they would usually deck out the place and come up with special menus for the occasion. Wine and dine, and soak in all the romantic feels emanating from the couples around you, and then tear a little, remembering that moment when he popped the question or when she said yes. The White Rabbit invites you to do a “warm up to walking down the aisle” while dining in a romantic setting, and a mouthwatering menu of fresh seafood and slow-cooked wagyu rump cap, together with a selection of really good wine.

I love surprises, but sometimes, there is that one thing I want but I don’t want to buy it for myself, so I’d really hope to receive it as a gift. Am I being difficult or are you like that too? If it’s the latter, now’s the time! Drag your better (better, because you want that present) half to the store and make a beeline for that item you’ve been fondling with your eyes for the longest time. Of course, agree on a budget first. You have a wedding coming up, remember? Then return the favour by letting your partner choose his or her own gift. Win-win! You see, I’ve been eyeing the Roger Vivier Spring Summer 2016 Lips Gommettes and clutch and I’m waiting for someone to buy them for me.